The third gym leader in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is a Fighting-type force of nature that can take ill-prepared trainers for a loop.
Note: This guide is for the gym leader fight, not the rematch with Maylene.
Preparation
The Ralts line of Pokémon is a phenomenal choice for this fight. Specifically, Gallade is a perfect counter to all three of Maylene's Pokémon. Kirlia and Gardevoir are also greatly effective if you don't put them up against her Lucario.
Besides that, you'll want to take a mix of Pokémon strong against Fighting and strong against Steel. Just be careful, as she has a good few counters to cover her weaknesses. Items are also a huge help. Remember that items are in the game to be used, not just hoarded; don't be afraid to make use of them if you need to!
Related: How to beat Gardenia in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
The Fight
Maylene has a level 27 Meditite, a level 27 Machoke, and a level 30 Lucario. Lucario is her ace in the hole, but the other two can cause some problems if you don't take them seriously enough.
Meditite will likely try to set up a Light Screen if you don't take it out immediately, making your special moves less damage. Contrary to its typing, Meditite doesn't have a single Psychic-type move, so feel free to use any Fighting or Poison-types you may have.
Machoke is the counter-Pokémon of her team. It has Rock Tomb, which counters Flying and Fire-types, Knock Off, which counters Psychic-types, and Bulldoze for some Pokémon that you might have thought would be safe.
On top of that, Machoke holds an Expert Belt, which raises the power of super-effective moves, and it's tanky enough to take a solid hit or two. This makes it a massive threat to any Pokémon weak to one of its wide variety of moves.
Finally, Lucario is Maylene's powerhouse. Its secondary Steel-typing makes Psychic, Fairy, and Flying-type moves all do neutral damage, rendering the usual Fighting-counters useless. It also has Meal Claw, making Fairy-type Pokémon a bad match-up.
Lucario has Bulk Up, which will make it a huge threat if left alive for too long, and Drain Punch, which will let it heal up after setting up a few Bulk Ups. Lucario will likely win any drawn-out fights, so try and wrap things up quickly.
Make sure to get the right Pokémon out against the right opponents, heal up when your HP is low, and you'll be claiming your third gym badge in no time!
For help in getting that perfect Maylene counter, Gallade, go check out How to catch and evolve Ralts in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl on Pro Game Guides!
Published: Nov 29, 2021 10:03 am